Prince William is reportedly eager to modernize the royal family’s Christmas traditions, but not without some resistance from his father, King Charles III. According to royal experts, the Prince of Wales hopes to bring a more relaxed, family-centered feel to the holiday season, even if that means rethinking traditions that have been around for decades.
Royal commentator Neil Sean told Fox News Digital that William believes some traditions feel forced and outdated. One example is the long-standing custom of exchanging joke gifts on Christmas Eve — a ritual started by Queen Elizabeth II.
“Every year, the royals truly let their hair down and show off their sense of humor,” Sean explained. “Every Christmas Eve, the famous trestle table is set up… These are £1 and £5 joke presents.”
However, Sean said William wants to move away from rigid hierarchy and make celebrations more inclusive. “What William wants to do is include more participation from palace staff… more family-oriented, less formal, and less about seniority,” he said.
Another tradition up for discussion is the annual Christmas Day walk to church, where royals greet well-wishers. While beloved by the public, William reportedly sees it as deeply personal. “He does not necessarily like being on display on what he views as a private and sacred day,” Sean said. Still, William understands why his father values the moment. “For the king, it’s important to interact with the public who give up part of their Christmas Day to meet the royals.”
Even within the family, opinions differ. Sean noted that Princess Catherine tends to agree more with King Charles on maintaining tradition. “Like with so many things, it is all up for discussion in the future of the monarchy under King William,” he said.
According to The Daily Mail, William has grown accustomed to quieter holidays with his wife and children, favoring the “Middleton-style ‘family chaos’” over more formal royal gatherings.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich added that William is uncomfortable with hierarchy and rigid formality. “He rejects this sort of pecking order,” she said. “He wants his courtiers to feel less stiff… while still preserving the monarchy’s mystique.” She pointed to changes like relaxed dress codes and fewer expectations around bowing and curtseying.
When it comes to gift-giving, William reportedly wants to make it more fun and inclusive. “He wants to get a huge barrel… and have everyone plunge their hand in,” Sean said.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes the tradition itself isn’t going anywhere. “If the royals did not give each other joke gifts, it would be a joke,” he said, calling the tradition “Dickens in a Cartier setting.”
The stories behind those gifts are legendary. True Royalty TV co-founder Nick Bullen said the royals enjoy “slightly rude, slightly funny” presents — from whoopee cushions to novelty bath toys. Author Christopher Andersen even claimed King Charles once received an upholstered toilet seat and loved it so much he traveled with it.
Princess Anne, often dubbed the family’s best gift-giver, once gave Prince Philip a light-up pepper grinder. Prince Harry reportedly gifted the late Queen a talking fish plaque, while William once gave his grandmother slippers with her own face on them.
As the monarchy slowly evolves, one thing remains clear: whether formal or fun, Christmas behind palace walls is anything but boring.
